Easter 2022 – Low Week/Sunday Note

Dear Grace United Church,

What a joy it is to be journeying with you. God has truly blessed us amid this pandemic. As you all know, the life of a minister is a constant balancing act between the joys and the concerns of the Community of Faith they serve, the world we all live in, and their own personal life.

I have been blessed and still am, to be serving congregations that understand the hardships of being a minister and offer a reprieve following the high seasons of the church, Advent/Christmas and Lent. Preparing weekly worship with meaningful sermons is the small part of the iceberg that is visible. Not many realize the depth of accompanying all those who are walking through the shadow of death. Of course, there is also the welcomed celebrations of life such as weddings, baptisms, and so much more. Ministry is a balancing act to say the least. However, every minister who takes their vocation to heart yearns to fully carry out their duty of love that God has called them to.

During the high seasons of the church, the journey goes on overdrive to catch up with all the necessary steps to make these special seasons of the church meaningful and assist us grow in our faith.

Therefore, this coming week (April 18-24), I will be away from my daily responsibilities of the ministry we carry out together, and enjoy some time with my family, to rejuvenate my heart, mind, and soul. This Low Week/Sunday helps a minister catch up with all the overtime they put in and the statutory holidays they miss, such as Good Friday, for example.

We all know life is precious and the gift of family and friends must not be ignored. Consequently, with this note, I want to tell you that even though I will be on a much-needed break, with my family and friends, you are always in my heart and in my prayers. Wherever I go, you go with me, as I represent you, the amazing Community of Faith, Grace United Church.

Therefore, I want to take advantage of this opportunity and wish you all a Blessed Easter and a wonderful week ahead. If I may suggest, invite a friend or two to join you at church next Sunday, April 24, and enjoy the message of the Holy One through Barbara Dejeet. If you were going to a wonderful restaurant, wouldn’t you tell your friends and family about it? Here is your chance to invite others to feed their souls at Grace United Church as well. Do not keep this wonderful space to feed your soul a secret from others, share with all.

Should there be any pastoral care needs, Rev. Kathy Walton has agreed to step in, and you may reach her at: (613) 329-6013 or by e-mail: kathleenwaltonkw@gmail.com

I remain your spiritual leader and God’s servant-daughter,
Rev. Takouhi Demirdjian-Petro
Incumbent minister